Celebrity

Social Media Calls Ivanka Trump A 'Grifter' And 'Tone Deaf' After Posting Tribute To 'Bright Light' Dolly Parton Amid Corruption Claims: 'She Was What You Will Never Be'

August 29, 2026 by Abigail Connolly
shefinds | Celebrity
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Ivanka Trump was one of many celebrities paying tribute to Dolly Parton after the announcement of her death rocked the world last week, but social media users did not appreciate her message.

The eldest daughter of the president is receiving a new wave of backlash after she took to social media to post a tribute in honor of the late country icon. Though her message was seemingly sincere and heartfelt, numerous users responded to her post, which highlighted Dolly’s kindness, by calling her out for the irony involved, pointing out her father’s latest controversial policies, and accusing her of being ‘tone deaf.’ Read more about what she wrote and how the internet reacted below.

Ivanka Trump Posts Tribute For Dolly Parton On Social Media

One of the biggest headlines of the last week has been the passing of the 9-to-5 star, who was one of the biggest cultural icons of her generation.

Since her estate announced that she had passed away at the age of 80 on August 25th, people and notable figures from around the world took to social media and public platforms to pay tribute to her. Many, from politicians to athletes, took to social media to write about how she not only changed the music industry with her impressive catalog of songs but also the lives of many Americans, pointing out her philanthropy and charitable projects. Those include her Imagination Library and book-gifting program, her $1M donation toward COVID-19 vaccination research, benefits for Dollywood employees, etc.

A notable figure who wrote a tribute message for Dolly was Ivanka Trump, who took to X to write a lengthy message about the things she admired about the singer, mentioning one of her quotes, “I don’t criticize and condemn; I love and accept.”

“That quote, like so much of what made Dolly Parton an American icon, was deceptively simple — uncomplicated on its face but profound and deeply moving beneath the surface,” wrote Ivanka. “Goodbye to a bright light. A peerless singer, incredible songwriter, gifted comic actress, tireless philanthropist, accomplished businesswoman, and true original. We never met, but I adored and admired Dolly greatly.”

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Social Media Users React To Ivanka's Post & Send Criticism

The reaction to her post on X, which was shared the day the musician passed away, didn't necesarilly get the reaction the former model might've been searching for.

 

In the responses to her post, social media users began pushing back against Ivanka's words, more notably calling out the irony in asking people to "love and accept" others as the Steel Magnolias performer suggested, as her father's policies and actions during his second term as president have been called out for being the opposite of that philosophy.

 

"You need to keep Dolly's name out of your mouth," responded an X user. "Your father is disgusting."

 

One user called Ivanka "tone deaf," while another stated she and her father were "the worst of America" while Dolly was "the best of America."

 

"She was what you will never be," commented a user.

 

"Dolly was a very authentic and philanthropic person. She gave so much to her community and the world. You and your family are corrupt grifters who are destroying our country."

 

One user clapped back, "Get Dolly's name out of your mouth, you disgusting grifter," as another added, "Your father is destroying and taking from our country."

 

"When he isn't doing that, he criticizes and condemns anyone he thinks isn't sufficiently servile," they continued. "And you're there for all the goodies while starting an international incident over your greed. Do you never see yourself?"

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Abigail is a journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. As an Editorial Assistant for SheFinds, she covers topics ranging from celebrity news and fashion to wellness. She has written for other publications, including Chip Chick, Bandsintown, BroadwayWorld, and more. When she isn't writing, Abigail loves spending time in the city with her friends, being a 'dog mom' to her Chihuahua, and singing along to some of her favorite music.